Prepping on a Budget

One excuse that some people use for not beginning to prepare for disasters is the cost. They look at shows like Doomsday Preppers or view the advertisements on prepping or survival blogs and start mentally calculating the costs of everything they need in their head. When you look at Prepping or being prepared as a destination it is easy to see why this thought looms in the minds of people everywhere.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

I have said it many times before that Prepping is a lifestyle. Prepping is never something you can finish and for most of us we will never be as prepared as we like, but by taking slow, steady steps towards your goals you will be more prepared today than you were the last month. When you look back years from now you might be amazed at what you were able to accomplish.

Now after saying all of that, I will readily admit that prepping in many areas involves some financial commitment. The trick is to acquire prepping supplies as your financial resources allow, don’t break the bank, but save money at every opportunity. Today I wanted to share a couple of ideas I have used personally to save money. When you are prepping on a budget, you want to put a good bit more thought and research into purchases but this should save you some money in the long run.

Determine what you need to spend more money on

A highly rated, fixed blade survival knife for $25?

There are some items that basically do the same thing, but depending on who makes the item, the cost could be dramatically different. You could purchase an Audi or you could purchase a Ford. They will both do the job of getting you where you want to go in relative comfort, safety and dependability, but one car could be twice as much as another. Yes, the Audi might have different amenities, aesthetics and niceties. It is probably engineered better and will overall be a better investment, but you chose to spend more for one.

It is similar in some respects to many of the items we look at as necessary for prepping. We know we need a certain item and begin shopping, reading reviews or scouring the comments on prepping blogs for the perfect item. Many times this will lead you to an item that while very good, is not significantly better at doing the job you will require of it to warrant spending twice as much. Knives are perfect examples of this concept and firearms usually get into this territory as well.

Before anyone gets on to me, I firmly believe in the concept of you get what you pay for. I don’t advocate buying the cheapest thing you can find in all circumstances but sometimes, you just don’t need to buy the Audi when the Ford will be perfectly fine. Consumables are where I first looking at cutting cost. Disposable paper products, lighters, matches and toilet paper are easy targets. Dollar stores are great for some items but not everything. Yard sales are excellent bargains too if you have the discipline and can find the right deals. I have a friend who has some special power for finding ridiculous deals like a crossbow in a case with arrows for $50. About all I can find is books.

Something like a knife involves a little more research, but you can easily compare products on sites like Amazon.com. Should you spend $155 for a Cold Steel Espada with polished G10 handle knife or would something closer to the $24 Gerber Warrant Knife do just as well for saving your butt in a survival scenario? I know there is a case to be made for spending money on collectables or what you “must have” because it makes your soul smile, but we are talking about saving money here.

Military Surplus stores can be a good source of deals on some of your prepping supplies.

Purchase used items

Another good way to count pennies if you are prepping on a budget is to buy gently used items. Not every piece of prepping gear you get needs to be brand new for it to be perfectly suited to what you need and this almost always will cost you less than full price. One place to get some items used would be Ebay, military surplus stores and Craigslist. I wouldn’t get underwear or anything like that, but I have purchased used military sleeping bag systems and saved hundreds of dollars. You can shop for backpacks and other camping gear in the off-season (right now) that people are looking to get rid of because they got new equipment for Christmas.

Firearms are usually just as good when they are used as brand new, but you likely won’t save too much money going this route because firearms don’t typically lose their value. You could save$50 to $100 though if you shop around. Pawn shops and gun shows are two great places to legally purchase used firearms and save some money.

Buying rice in bulk is a huge cost savings.

Buy in bulk

Food is one of the first things that preppers stock up on and it makes sense because we all need food, pretty much every day but you can save money by purchasing in bulk. There are a few good candidates for this method, but Rice, Beans and Whole Wheat come to mind. Instead of buying the small bags of rice, you can buy a 50 pound bag of rice for about $20. This one bag provides 504 servings of rice. To keep it fresh, you can store it in sealed Mylar bags. You can also bulk purchase Salt, #10 cans of fruit and veggies and toilet paper if you have a Sam’s or Costco membership.

Another thing to buy in bulk is ammo because you can usually get a better rate if you purchase 1000 or 500 rounds at a time as opposed to a single box of 50. Freeze dried food in bulk supplies of 3 or 6 months will save you money and cut down on the number of trips the UPS man has to make to your door. Yes, these purchases cost more out of pocket, but it could actually save you money to wait until you have the funds for that bulk purchase. Naturally this assumes you have some supply at your disposal while you are saving.

Don’t buy during a panic

Do you know when the absolute worst time to buy a generator is? Immediately after a disaster. I have heard stories of the cost of generators doubling after a flood, tornado or other crisis and that is simply because the demand goes through the roof. Resist the urge to buy anything prepping related like this in the aftermath of a disaster unless it is absolutely necessary.

A good strategy is to wait until everyone who bought these generators are selling them 6 months down the road because they don’t believe they will ever need them again. Along with items like generators, food supplies are lower during a disaster as well. You don’t want to be running to the store when everyone else is.

One good thing you can do is to create a list of all the prepping supplies you think you need and prioritize the items in that list. Once you have them in priority order, you can be more selective about what you purchase and when. Take some time to shop around. The internet is a great tool for comparison shopping and you can easily see who has the lowest prices on items. With a little forethought you can strategically make purchases and save money.

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Buds guns and layaway for firearms. I save 10 to 15 percent over what the stores in town would charge, and the 25 dollar transfer fee is better then paying sales tax. I found my Trijicon on EBay for 950.00 and since it was an unissued Marine Corps model, the seller dumped them for cheap. Deals can be found if your willing to look.

I also ask my wife for gear etc at Christmas and for my birthday. Same thing with the parents, they got me ammo. I also stopped buying Xbox games for the most part, which leaves me quite the chunk of change to use on more important things.

I will have to take another look at Buds. Just scanning for one in particular, the prices didn’t seem to be discounted for me, but I will check them out again when I am looking to buy. I always want to save money when I can.

Thanks LWJ!

LWJ

The problem that I have out here is a limited number of sellers who are arrogant. They know this is gun country and they don’t like to keep a variety of firearms. Want a Glock 21 your golden, want a Sig Mk25 and you will pay for it if they can find one. Taxes suck to, the 25 dollar transfer fee is much nicer. However if your a fan of instant gratification this method is not for you.

The other thing I am trying is the Walmart Savings catcher gimmick. After every trip I use that app and have about 40 bucks in credit that I am going to build up until the end of the year. An extra hundred can go a long way at that store if your frugile.

S. Cullen

It’s Me again….The “mouth from the south”…..
Since I don’t have very deep pockets at the moment…actually I’m piss poor and a dollar short”…usually….
But that hasn’t stopped me from doing some prepping….
The first thing I’ve done is analyze my needs…
FOOD….
WEAPONS…
EQUIPMENT…
ASSESSMENT/GAME PLAN…..
Etc etc etc….
Then the fun begins….
I’ve done a ton of research….looking at all the variables one (Moi) needs for my individual prepping….
I’ve done this since “not all Preppers are created equal”….in other words what I need might or may be different than the next person….
I am a family of 2 and other’s might be a family of 3 or 4 or 10….it all depends…
Then one’s location plays a key role as well….Urban, Suburban or Rural locations geographically…will affect one’s “prepping” needs…
So I guess everyone needs to look around and see what they need and then start from there…This is the “assessment phase”….
Then what I’ve done is the “Research Phase”….
This phase requires one to look high and low to see who has what and for what price…
Guns, ammo, food, supplies etc etc etc and determine one’s needs….
Example is if one lives in a urban area, perhaps a hand gun and a shot gun is all that is needed. A person living in a rural area might need those as well a long gun…rifle, AR15 or other weapon….
Then one needs to determine ammo needs….1,000 rounds total or 1,500 rounds per weapon….that becomes an individual need or requirement based upon one’s “assessment of needs”…..
I’ve come up with the requirement of having 11 guns.
Why so many? Well it’s because of where I live….in a rural area. I’m surrounded by 45 acres of woods and live on 4 acres of land. from my house to the front road is over 500 ft. and over to 700 ft. in the back of the property.
So I need a long gun…but I have two AR15’s …
One is good, but 2 is better for this reason.
What happens if one AR15 malfunctions. I have no long gun and a bunch of ammo that now becomes useless.
But having 2 gives me a back up weapon just in case the SHTF because if it does, I probably won’t be able to run to a gun shop to get it fixed.
Also living in a rural area, surrounded by woods I have 2 chain saws. Now someone in a city, probably won’t need chain saws…
This is what I mean by “assessing your needs”….It all will vary depending on where you live and what you’ll need to survive on.
It really, in the planning stages” comes down to a “science of sorts”…
ASSESSMENT/PLANNING/EVALUTAION !!!!!
Then become a “shopper from HELL”….
Do your research for who has what…..
FREE is BEST!!!!! Sales are good…retail suxs….but sometimes it’s your only choice.
Shop local merchants and become their best customer…this can become a valuable tool/asset….because they’ll work with you and over time also maybe give you a discount because your a good customer….and don’t be afraid or humble to negotiate with them….see if you can work a “deal” even if it’s 10% that’s 10% can be used for other items.
Work with your local merchants and become friends with them…
Also become resourceful…look around, talk to others and investigate …
I was looking for a way to store gasoline and spent several months looking for ways to do it…w/o and success.
I casually mention to someone about looking to store gasoline and was looking for “something” to do it in….
He gave me a lead on a race shop locally who had 55 gallon barrels that could be used and they ran for around $20 each…maybe less.
I located the guy and spoke to him and now I’ve got 6 55 gallon sealed and lined metal barrel that originally stored racing fuel and the barrels are costing me $10 a piece…partly because I’ve bought several and come to find out we know some mutual people, so he’s giving me a good deal….
Communication and resourcefulness is a wonderful thing….especially when it comes to “Prepping on a budget”…..
Example is this…
I was in a pawn shop the other day looking around and to get a used chain saw.
I asked about any generators…and they just happened to have one that was 3,500 Watts. Looked almost new….
Then I asked them “How much”? They were asking for $299…and I offered them $270….”Done deal”…..
Got the generator and saved $30 which then can be used say at Wal-Mart to buy 40 cans of veggies…at .58 cents a can….or I could then buy say 60lbs of rice…and add those items to my “stash”….
My gun shop also had some .223 ammo on hand….I got 210 rounds and then put 300 on hold for me, because since I’ve bought 11 guns from then in 8 months they’ve treated me well….
I’ve also been able to get 6 55 gals blue plastic barrels to store rain water…all for free…online some places sell these barrels for over $100 a barrel….FREE IS GREAT!!!!
Another thing one needs to do is “Think outside the box” or become creative in ideas….
An example of this is making a charcoal grill to cook on in case the SHTF ….
One can spend $50 for a charcoal grill or doe this….
Go to Wal-Mart and pay $15 for an 18″ charcoal frill grate…
Then to Lowe’s and get 4 cinder blocks and 4 12″ X 12″ patio pavers for a total of about $25 for grate, blocks and pavers and you can cook over that and you’ve saved $25 for food…
Buy food based on bulk. Bulk is usually cheaper…and also buy off brand or store brand…after all sugar is sugar and peas are peas….
Find free food storage buckets for rice, sugar etc…and store those items in the sealed buckets….
I’ve been able to score 10 of these buckets for free…A good thing. Then I’ve found at Lowe’s the blue large buckets with the lids and these can be gotten for around $4 and work great to store sugar, flour, etc….
Like I’ve said, “Free is best, and cheap is good”….unless of course one has a boatload of cash to spend….then budgeting wouldn’t be a problem or issue, but I have neither a boat or unlimited income/resources to spend on everything I need.
Your situation may vary…..
I’ve built up about 120 lbs. of rice and 40lbs of sugar so far….over time and step by step especially buying in bulk.
SALES:….
Smart shopping can save a LOT!!!! If you do it right….
Check out several large box stores and know your regular pricing and your sale pricing for each store….and when something is on sale grab them…Chef Boyardee is an example….$.98 is the usual price at Wal-Mart…. but right now it’s in sale for .75 cents a can….and that’s about a 25% savings….and with 60 cans in the stash for now, it all is good….and that means more peas, carrots, corn etc…..
Now this whole process, can become a ROYAL PITA trying to “get blood from the turnip” or it can be fun to shop like “the cheapest SOB, ever to occupy the face of the earth”….and “score deals after deals”….
Now all of the above doesn’t need to apply, if you’ve got deep pockets and lots of cash on hand to spend as you please….You may, I don’t.
But I’ve got 5 months of food and water on hand, 11 hand guns, 4,500 rounds of ammo, 200 lbs. of charcoal (on sale last Labor Day with 40lbs for $9.98 at Lowe’s…Kingsford BTW)…10 28 oz. cans of charcoal fluid at $2 a can…
Anyway, I could go on and on here, but you see how I’m doing things….
Plus I’ll add this….
“Rome wasn’t built in a day”….
Therefore, Prepping on a budget” is a process, a journey and it will take time….
But it can be done….But the “wildcard” with Preppers, because we do not know “how much time we have before or should a SHTF situation occurs.
But I look at it this way….each day going forth, I try and do something to add to my “prepping activities” be it research, assessment, purchasing, whatever….But each day I spend on it gets me one day closer to meeting my needs.
But should the “clock run out, and then “game on” with a SHTF event, I’ll be further along than say 90% of the population, who in the grand scheme of things will not have done anything….
And that is what “Prepping is all about”…..
Look at it as a hobby, a past time, an “investment” ….whatever you wish to call it…and not an ordeal or something that is so overwhelming, that you quit, before you get going….
Hopefully my thoughts will be able to help some of you all out there and you’ll be able to find a few ideas…
Best to all….
Cullen….

NRP

OK Ok Steve; since you took the “mouth from the south” I’m claiming “the mouth from the southwest” HAHAHA

One hell of a “comment”, and a LOT LOT LOT of good advice in there thank you for the book LOL.
Honestly I have been doing this “prepper” thing for only a few/several months now and am actually surprised how it’s going and how easy it is. I guess the fact I already had a bunch of “stuff”, read: firearms, place in rural America, good supply of food/water, camping stuff and so on, it makes this transition into a “prepper” a natural thing. Maybe I was already there?

One thing I keep saying to a few others is, if you use one, buy two. IE if you go to the range and shoot 500 rounds of 45-ACP; then you should reload or buy 1000 rounds. If you break open a case of peaches, buy two cases. That seems to work very well for me; of course you need to keep in mind your initial goal of storing 2 years of food, water, ECT. BUT it’s a good way to start your stash and to keep building what you actually use, not a bunch of stuff you’ll regret having in 5 years.

One thing I would also recommend in the budget is a little cash for Training. Now this may sound crazy, but contact your local Boy/Girl Scouts, they are always looking for people to help out. And honestly you will learn a heck of a lot from the others, even the kids. Also try the local community college, it’s cheap and usually they offer a lot of interesting classes besides Calculous and French.

HAHAHA I have to laugh at you’re comment “Then become a “shopper from HELL”….” I LOVE it; I’m betting you have nothing on this old man though HAHAHA

My biggest recommendation is ———- wait for it———“just START”.

Thank you Steve, Pat, and a lot of others here.

You guys are a good example of “doing it right”.

NRP, AKA mouth of the southwest, HAHAHAHA

S. Cullen

I wrote a very long reply to you….but it seems not to have posted…so I’ll try again shortly

NRP

@ Steve
Thinking that maybe Pat put a block on comments that are longer that the article?? HAHAHA

S. Cullen

Could be…I tell to get long in the tooth at times…
Oh well..

NRP

Nothing wrong with that, all information you/we can pass along is never a bad thing. IMHO

Sorry about that. My comment engine blocks things automatically for me. Sometime it is for links or language. I try to let almost everything go, but it sometimes takes me some time to approve them.

S. Cullen

Not a problem…I was just trying to write a bit to get some other stuff off my mind…and relax….

NRP

Write a bit???? OMG I would hate to see you get fired up and blast away… HAHAHAHA
Have a beer on my Sir.
Gata run, later
NRP

LWJ

Still trying to figure out the need have a few billion rounds for every caliber/gauge of weapon in ones inventory. My main four that I stock up on are 9mm, 5.56/.223, and 12 and 20 gauge. Although most of the shotgun shells are various bird loads. I would say I have less then 150 shells of various types of buckshot or slugs. My supply of .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .308 is also very limited maybe about 200 rounds per pistol. My supply of .308 is about 3.5 boxes so maybe about 68 rounds. I think that trying to reach that magical high number for every caliber is a waste of money, unless you plan on bartering ammo there are other things one can and should sink their money in.

S. Cullen

Again, it’s what I’m use to and it’s just the way I use to do things.
Plus if the SHTF you may not be able to get ammo for a very very long time.
If you think my # of rounds are a lot, there are some people who I’ve come across at a location I’m at now, that what they have for weapons and ammo would simply blow your mind away….
I spoke to one guy recently and he has 5 AR15’s and 30,000 rounds of 223 ammo….SERIOUSLY….
So 3,000 rounds would be a drop in the bucket more or less.
I would much prefer to have more and never need it rather than have less and end up running short.
I use to routinely have around 500 rounds of ammo at any given time either at home or at work…and later on I bumped it up to 1,000 of which I carried about 500 rounds in my vehicle…
Just incase we needed it.

LWJ

Yes but what does your fighting load consist of, if people start to break out the long guns? How many mags are you willing to carry for your primary and sidearm?

S. Cullen

I use to carry either in a 9mm or a 40 cal 3 mags ….plus I had 2 12 gauge shotguns in my unit as well with at least 30o rounds of handgun ammo and 100 rounds of shotgun ammo….but then I was the shift supervisor/shift commander…

I was a cop in Miami area, and that wasn’t exactly Podunk PD.

Now? I’ll have whatever I need….

I once was in a shootout with a 38 cal revolver and ran out after 18 rounds…and vowed never to let that happen again.

Additionally when I was in the Investigation Unit Sgt. Dave Rivers of Metro-Dade PD came to our agency and gave an re-enactment of the FBI shootout down in S. Miami which killed to FBI agents…Jerry Dove & Ben Grogan …

The FBI went up against Platt and his partner who had AK47’s and the FBI had 38 revolvers and shotguns and were absolutely outgunned…not to mention a series of bad luck and misfortunes that played into that situation.,,,

Therefore I vowed that I’m never be in a situation where I was outgunned…

I have 9MM for myself and my wife…40 cal which the wife can’t handle….

All together I probably have about 20 mags off .223 loaded and maybe a dozen 9mm/40cal as well….

If that doesn’t do the trick, I’ll throw the towel in….

Otherwise I’m really a peaceful fun loving nice guy….sometimes…

LWJ

My point that is that when you plan on hauling that much ammo on your person you cease becoming a prepper. My PC is set up to carry three pistol mags and three rifle mags. I have enough ammo to break contact and lay down fire If needed. But not enough to play operation Phantom Fury and engage in sustained firefights with my currernt setup. Carrying that much hardware in an open manner just makes it more likely that your going to set up for an ambush so people can acquire your stuff.

I should also ask what do you travel with on a daily basis? Do you have a trunk gun with you now, or do you leave all the long guns at home?

S. Cullen

I’m not moving…I’ve got it set up to fortify my area….(house)…

I don’t ever think I said I was moving anywhere, so not sure where you came up with that idea???

My location is about as good as it gets and I think I can secure it pretty well…

I don’t carry anything outside of the house…no need to…

LWJ

Sorry I have a plate carrier for my serious go to war pile of gear. If we are at the point of open carrying long guns to secure the neighborhood to defeat armed aggressors I will be wearing that bit of gear. I have it currently set up to carry 3 rifle and pistol magazines to be as efficient as possible with my gear. I am not going to try to be an unorganized bum and try to stuff magazines into my pockets and hope I remember where they are at. I am comfortable with having 4 magazines for each weapon to fend enough the threats we might have to face. I just don’t carry a fire teams worth of ammo on my person. You won’t be able to stay In the house all the time, you will have to venture outside the wire so to speak. So what is your current load out for a patrol around your property etc?

S. Cullen

Yup…You are 100% correct….I should have know better…
Thanks…..
Thanks goodness I still have most of my SWAT gear from when I was a SWAT cop in Miami…

LWJ

Thats ok you have that typical LE mindset, which is something that can be easily exploited. Then again most of the warrior cops do these days.

S. Cullen

Thank god one of us have it…
Good luck…I have the feeling you’ll be needing it more than I will…

LWJ

That you do, shall I give you a thumbs up. Ya never know us Sheeple might be depending on you to come to the rescue, so you better load all that SWAT gear up.
Would love to see your fortification plans for the dwelling. Sounds like a great tomb.

S. Cullen

Thanks…if I need your advice I’ll call you…
But I seriously doubt I need your expertise…
But if you wish…I’ll be happy to send you a bunch of Tootsie Roll pops so you can suck on those….
Have a great day….
Later “Mr. Expert”….LOL

LWJ

When it comes to actually defending things, I would not trust somebody with a LE background to do it. I prefer M&Ms though. Enjoy old timer.

S. Cullen

Say good night Alice…and stock up on your “goodies”….Princess!!! I’m sure you’ll scare the living hell out of whatever you go up against….You’ve terrified me for sure…
Oh Lordie….am I scared of you….
NOT!!!!…
Send me you number so I can put it in my speed dial….PLEASE!!!!

LWJ

Well your LE background has managed to make you the SME in all things prepping. I think you are scared of being told your wrong and some of your concepts are out in left field. The problem with LE is that you are used to operations in a docile environment where the vast majority of the population will not shoot you on sight. Like the Ferguson PD when they first deployed in August. Piss poor training and tactics with a contempt for anybody not in the “sacred brotherhood” is a feature that shows up more and more in LE. I would not listen to somebody with your experience when it comes to Mout/CQB tactics because there are better more knowledgable people out there.

I am actually looking at Goose Decoys and cold weather gear, so perhaps you can educate me on that as well Mr. Miami Vice! I would love to hear about your ideas on cold weather survival with your extensive ops tracking drug dealers in 90
Degree weather. Then perhaps we can discuss deer hunting techniques in the off season when most peppers don’t think about hunting. You can then tell me your way to bag a deer in about 15 minutes or less.

S. Cullen

Your superior knowledge is far beyond my limited capabilities…
Obviously you’ll succeed far greater than anyone else….since you’ve got it all figured out….
Therefore I’ll just pack everything in and sell off all my stuff and just sit and wait to fade away into total oblivion ….it’s obvious that it is useless to even attempt to do anything unless one has your superior knowledge, skills and arrogance……
Therefore I’ll simply no longer take up your valuable time and experience Alice….

S. Cullen

Oh Thank you Lord, because I am truly blessed to have this total flaming a**hole come to me to seek guidance….
Just proves I still have that ability to attract those who suffer from diarrhea of the brain….
BTW reference to “Miami Vice”, Don Johnson was a total jerk like some whom I’ve very recently had contact with…..
Philip Michael Thomas however was a nice guy and his wife Cassandra would stop by my office on occasion to visit and was a lovely person….
But I’m sure you already knew that, since it is obvious you know it all….
Anyway, I’ve enjoy engaging in the verbal jousting with you and I’ll not keep you further occupied so you can go and find a deer to “bag” ….
I’ve got to and see pairs of “survival loafers” I have available for trekking in the woods with,,,
I’ll catch up with you in a week or so….just not sure exactly what year that will be in though….
But rest assure enjoyed receiving “your astute wisdom and knowledge….now I just have to sit down and figure out in my spare time exactly what you were saying…..
Until then, have fun, and be safe ….Don’t let Bambi’s father run you over…..

LWJ

The sad part is that you have a college degree, or so you say. However your post is pretty hard to follow. Care to resend??

S. Cullen

Not really and even if I drew pictures for you it wouldn’t help…
Some people are severely challenged mentally and nothing can help…even for you.
Plus my time is better suited than spending it trying to “communicate” with you….
Go and play with your Lego set and do something constructive …
Now does that make any sense for you A**HOLE!!!!

NRP

A hug would be great!! Thanks, see I knew you were s softy at heart 🙂
And yes I’m a “flower child” from the 60s from SO.CA. HAHAHAHA

NRP

Sir, I say with all due respect, you have a hell of a lot
more experience that the next 10 people I know. Thank you for the service you
have given us all in this great country.

And NO I will never try to out type you… HAHAHA, quite the
background, and honestly I believe any and all advice/help you can render would
be greatly appreciated by me/all.

I would agree with you totally with the grid down soon, with
the number of “hackers” doing what they are now, can’t be long before some
punk-ass has his “fun”. OR an EMP about
20k up over Kansas somewhere.

I am in a slightly different situation than most also, as we
all are I guess. I fending for myself, I lost my late wife to cancer 10 years
back, and with no family here I’m more of a loaner I guess. Unfortunately that
makes it even harder, been trying to get a group here going but OPSEC is more
of a concern for me at this point.

I’m guessing you’re not so much in a need of putting a
little of that budget into training??? HAHAHA JKing I LOVE it…. “Otherwise,
I’ve lived a VERY BORING life…..” HAHAHAHAHA Good for you Steve, if I may
call you Steve, it would be my privilege. And YES I remember Paul Harvey so
very well…….

NRP

S. Cullen

Oh there’s more…but not trying to say “oh look at me”…
A lot of the things I’ve been involved in I really wish I never got to experience…Trust me…
I just seem to have an “unique ability” of attracting bad things…
My nickname was “dark cloud”….for obvious reasons…
The good Lord put me on this earth for a reason….even that has a story with it….
But through it all He’s also given me a few crosses to carry as well…didn’t get to choose them, but carried them the best I could…and He’s allowed me not to give up.
But all my experiences and ups and downs however, have made me a survivor and taking on challenges is something I do routinely….
I fear nothing and no one….and not many can say that.
But I’ve got to do a lot of things in my life, meet some very interesting people and hopefully when all is said and done a few I’ve been able to help along the way….
Hopefully my time here will get me to Heaven someday in the not to distant future….
My rodeo is almost over, but I’ve got a chapter or two left I’m guessing….LOL

BobW

Good thoughts. Not all of us have a ranch on which we can stash 1000 55-gal barrels, a million feet of bub-wire, etc.. I embellish the quantities for humors sake, but it all falls to one of the last things you mention. The plan.

While I agree that a robust plan is critical to any successful mission, the reality is that execution of said plan is where ‘the rubber meets the road.’ I can plan the S**T out of an op, but it takes a more task oriented team member to ensure all the details are completed to ensure mission success. I’m not that task/detail oriented person. I’m the concept/vision guy, coming up with the strategy to get there, then household6 steps in and directs efforts like a 5’4″ drill sergeant.

Everyone needs to remember one thing. Even a crappy plan executed with dedication is better than the best plan executed poorly. If folks don’t get out there and start doing something, there will be no one to blame but the person pointing the finger.

S. Cullen

I’m fully aware that storing a bunch of 55 gal drums of gas for some simply isn’t possible…urban and suburban areas obviously are problematic…
In the rural country it’s not…and that’s where I’m at, so I can get it done.
In some of my previous homes I wouldn’t have been able to do it for a day let alone for a week.
Here???? Not an issue…
But like I said everyone’s needs are different and their ability to do XYZ varies….
Planning???? I’m use to doing that, since I had to do OP’s for some 30 years….so it’s something I’m use to doing….

S. Cullen

You have to have some plan in place…most don’t…
Plus you’ve got to store resources since there’s a good possibility you won’t be able to get stuff post SHTF situation….so either have it beforehand or you may well be SOL…
Time is the wildcard here….no one knows when it will happen if it does….
No one knew 9/11 would take place on 9/10….
And that was accomplished using planes and box cutters…
What will happen??? Have no idea….
Will it happen though and could it quite possibly be something totally “outside the box”???? Very possible….
Is it possibly be that post SHTF event(s) take place, that no stores will be open, no sources available to run out and get stuff….either you have all things in place beforehand or you might well be SOL going forth….
Now are my ideas 100% right and everyone else’s flawed??? Have no idea….
I’m just doing what I think will work for me…all others are perfectly free and able to do things as they wish and good luck to all.
Something is better than nothing which probably 90% of the population out there aren’t doing…and those are the ones who are going to be desperate after about 7 days….
Just my humble opinions….Yours may vary….

BobW

While I generally agree with the sentiment that you can’t have too much ammo, I think each person needs to seriously consider what they intend to do with each platform.

Simply stated, one cannot carry all that ammo with them if one must displace and leave home. Each team must determine whos carrying what, and how much they can reasonably carry for EDC (working on roofs, gardens, etc), security/patrolling, and bug-out situations.

Unless your homestead is truly defensible, having thousands of each round type seems excessive. I have staged in depth. A few sharp sticks in each room, out back, one holding up the scare crow, etc.. It’ll be like Braveheart when I set those sharp sticks for their charge. FREEDOM!

S. Cullen

My home/area is defensible and I’m staying put…

It’s about the best I can do with for now…

That’s why I’m doing what I am doing….

S. Cullen

NRP…I think we’re spitting in the wind with this one…
He’s got all the answers…
One thing the military and LE have in common is when the rubber hits the road everyone covers everyone’s else’s “6”…
That’s why Military and LE have similar training….and get to carry weapons….
At the end of the day (or shift) it’s Goal #1 that everyone comes home safe….
LWJ probably couldn’t make it in either the military or LE and has an “ax to grind”….obviously….
I’m a big boy, and dealt with the “worse of the worse”, even by prison standards in my time…(Child Molesters) and did so successfully….
I’ve also commanded 9 in-progress armed home invasion robberies as a supervisor involving armed Haitian gangs and did so successfully….
So I know what I’ve able to do….
LWJ???? All I think he knows how to do is shot a defenseless deer….
IMPRESSIVE!!!! …NOT

NRP

@ S. Cullen
Well “spitting in the wind” is not always a bad thing if you’re in dire need of a shower, At least you know when the “spit” is coming from, HAHAHAHA

S. Cullen

LOL…
I was trying to keep it clean here….you may substitute some other body fluid as you choose…
“Mary” obviously has some serious psychological issues that require intensive treatment ….
It just proves that for some, “reason”(ing) is in short supply …
Oh well I enjoyed the bantering back and forth….brought back memories of dealing with the “yo yo’s” from days gone bye….(smile)

S. Cullen

I’m doing security management at a state public safety training site that trains a variety of local, county, state and federal public safety people, both instate and out of state.
So I get to talk to a lot of them who come on site.
Most of them are saying to me that “Intel” out there that they are getting isn’t not good at all as far as to what might be coming down the pike soon. Most of them seem to be doing their own form of “prepping” just incase…..
Also, when you ask them about what they’ve got stored up for weapons & ammo etc, it seems that 15 or more guns are the usual they say they have and they are also storing up as much ammo as they can get their hands on.
Their thinking is based on what they feel they’ll possibly need just in case, as well as afterwards, should no ammo be available for purchasing or incase events lead to production stopping.
That way their weapons won’t become useless paperweights…
Now this is their thoughts….not mine, but 10,000 rounds of ammo seems to be the general point of where they want to be.
I’ve even had one tell me that he’s got about 30,000 rounds of .223 ammo on hand and is looking for an additional 10,000 more rounds just incase Obama gets this .223 ban passed.
200 rounds won’t do anyone much good…
That’s why I’m up around 6,500 rounds now for my weapons and I’m trying to get as much as I can over the next few months.
If this .223 ban goes into effect look for other ammo to be banned as well until only “BB” will be allowed…

LWJ

NRP Cullen is quite the blow hard and no he would not cover my six at all. He would be a liability out here. He could not keep up, and LE training differs in quite a few regards compared to the stuff Uncle Sugar teaches. As far as his plan to fortify his house I would love to hear his ideas on how he is going to do it. I can’t even get a straight forward answer on what he plans to carry on his person for a combat loadout. It is the evasions to these simple questions that make me think he has not planned that situation out. Or has an alternative if his home becomes indefensible for whatever reason. Would he like to discuss this in a rationale manner I am game. Just don’t expect the hero worship for an East Coast cop.

NRP

Excuse me? “I was trying to keep it clean here….you may substitute some other body fluid as you choose…” nice, your very eloquent with your mouth.
LWJ, if you cant discuss something without the insults and comments like “blow hard” and “Just don’t expect the hero worship for an East Coast cop.” than in all reality your more of a loser than you think S. is.
It’s always been the one that cusses or becomes annoying is the real loser. I have read both of your comments and in my opinion for what it’s worth your just exhaling your frustrations at someone that may have been a good resource. but it seems your so full of yourself and such an expert on everything you wont listen so anyone else.
Why do you think anyone would need to explain what and how they are preparing?
Best of luck with that attitude, Life is not always about being smarter than the next, but knowing when to shut up and listen for a bit.
We will see if your smart as you think and just shut up now……
NRP

LWJ

Would you like to hug it out?? I am all about the peace, love, joy and happiness. However you do know what they say about opinions!

S. Cullen

I’m out of here…
With LWJ hanging around, I’ll let him have the forum and I’m gone…..He’s reached “expert stage”…I’m just a local yokel from the “pumpkin patch”….
Good luck…It’s been a trip!!!!
As we use to say “someone wouldn’t even make a pimple on a LEO’s butt”…
Wonder who that might be???? (LOL)….

S. Cullen

I learned a long time ago don’t try to reason with an idiot or a drunk…guess your not drunk…one out of two ain’t bad…

Discuss plans with you???? Only if you happen to mean something to me…therefore you don’t count.

What I’m carrying or have???? Got enough to do the job…but since you need me to repeat myself

9’s/40’s/223/5.56’s/12 gauge “00” and slug…

Red dots with mags…

As far as what my “game plan is” …it’ simple…No of your F’in business “Dudette”…That I only share with those who I choose to share it with and you definitely ain’t in that category…

Would I cover your back???? Seriously don’t think so….

He’s the deal…

$5,000 certified check ….sent to Pat Henry….for verification…

Along with my training, college, Commendations, Evals ect…(Docs)…..I have proof….and I would love to “pick your pocket” of $5,000….
Then I’ll put up my email address again and 10 people here can email me and I’ll send them copies of the docs as well so they can verify….
I have no issue put it out there, but it’s going to cost you some $$$ to see it…
Game????
(He ain’t got the “COJones” to call me on this…They usually don’t….

So “Mouth”…either put up of shut up….

BTW when you have some accomplishments under your belt, it’s not “blowhard”…it’s confidence…

Seems the only thing your into is buying a winter jacket and hunting a defenseless deer….impressive…NOT!!!!
However

LWJ

I learned a long time ago to try to use spell check if possible it helps.I also like hunting waterfowl, upland game birds and Coyotes when given the chance. I don’t care for long walks on the beach though.
The orginal question was what was your planned load out, not what do you have in your inventory. Since your not going to answer that , I don’t see the point of your post. I have come to the conclusion that your the human version of Hammy the Squirrel.
Most people when pressed for cash, try to earn it. I can come to the conclusion that spending 5 grand to see your Diploma from Crayola is not worth it.

S. Cullen

Didn’t think you’d bite…you can’t put anything out there but your mouth…and that’s about as useful as tits on a bull obviously…
Come back and talk to me when you grow up Junior…until them grow up…and eat your Wheaties and then maybe you can play with the big boys…
have a good one…LOL

LWJ

Thanks Miami Vice but 5 K to see your creds is a waste of money. I do thank you for working on your spelling and grammar. I am still waiting for more than your prepper stats though.

S. Cullen

Pay up Mary and you’ll see them…otherwise shut up…your mouth is starting to turn to…ah, figure it out if you can.
No go eat your Wheaties…and grow up and then maybe you can run with the big dogs…Junior…

LWJ

Sorry Miami but your just to old to run with. Now get the Ben gay out, I know this typing is killing your hands.

Do they also happen to working on your life story one cave painting at a time?

S. Cullen

Good one…I like that….but keep the full time job at Mickey D’s until after you graduate from High School, if you can….I see a promotion come to you, from moping floors to washing dishes…(smile)….
Got to tell you, there’s a few who are emailing from here and really are enjoying you doing a great job of showing your butt….dress that up as well????

LWJ

I am sure your fan club is a swell bunch! I might save the floors for tomorrow though. Perhaps I can even show you the fine art of manual labor! I will say this, if they can see my butt then my dog is going to be fired. Off
to bed Cullen, we can continue the duel tomorrow.

S. Cullen

LOL…
Carry on Jr. ..I might be around then again I’ve got other commitments so you may have to play by yourself….But I’m sure you’ll be able to amuse yourself in the sandbox….surely you’ll be able to find someone else to dis on in my absence….
If not try not to become to bored in my absence….
But remember, BEHAVE ….or you might be sent to your room….
Best….
The “Old Man”…..(grins & chuckles)……

LWJ

I will try but normally when I am in trouble the wife sends me to Walmart on pay day weekend. So what kind of red dots do you have?

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